Traditional Celtic music will take a local twist at the Water Valley Celtic Festival, which is slated to run June 22 at 13 venues spread throughout the community.
Inspired by a music festival in Feakle, a village in County Clare, Ireland, the traditional Irish sounds were first brought to Water Valley in 1999 by David Settles.
“The idea was to have a traditional Irish music festival — but it ended up growing to include all kinds of Celtic music,” said Settles, adding the festival now includes Irish, Maritime and Scottish music. “My thought originally was to keep it small and use local musicians.
“I’m amazing at the festival now. Because of the size of the village and the venues, I’m surprised it’s been able to grow.”
This year, the festival includes 280 entertainers performing with more than 80 groups, said Carrie Jamieson, co-chair of the event. In addition, the Celtic Club of Calgary Learning Tent will be running workshops throughout the day, on topics from basic vocal skills and song structure, to understanding the Bodhran (an Irish frame drum).
Settles said there is quite a popular Celtic music scene in Calgary and its outlying areas, between sessions at the city’s Irish pubs and events at local clubs.
Settles, himself, plays twice a week at Joyce on 4th. He’ll be playing at the festival, as a member of a number of groups.
The event is all inside, protecting performers and spectators from the elements.
For patrons looking to take a break from the intimate performances, the tasting tent will be serving a variety of Celtic beverages, said Jamieson. Selections include cask ale brewed by Wild Rose Brewery, tasty mead from Fallentimber Meadery, along with a wee bit of Scotch whiskey.
Attendees will be able to browse through the Artisan’s Fair, where a variety of Celtic-themed wares — from jewelry to glassware — will be available for purchase.
Camping will be available next to the Water Valley Community Hall, but must be pre-booked, said Jamieson. The Water Valley Campground will also be accepting reservations.
Preordered tickets are available online until today, June 19, but can be picked up at the ticket tent on festival day.
Single admission is $25 and a family can get in for $75.
Tickets to the 9 a.m. event are also available at the Water Valley General Store, Aspen Café and Gallery, Red House Video and Gifts, Trail’s End Pizza Lounge. Visit watervalleycelticfestival.org.
